]]>http://oohstlou.com/krampusnacht-2017-pub-crawl-cherokee-street/feed011468Diego y Frida Exhibit at The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museumhttp://oohstlou.com/diego-y-frida-exhibit-at-the-international-photography-hall-of-fame-and-museum
http://oohstlou.com/diego-y-frida-exhibit-at-the-international-photography-hall-of-fame-and-museum#respondWed, 21 Jun 2017 16:15:46 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11458Frida exhibit at The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.

When you think of Frida Kahlo, you think of her amazing, iconic painted self-portraits. Frida with one of her many pet monkeys, Frida with her furrowed mono-brow, Frida sending you a stern message in pigment, daring you to catch her meaning. You don’t think of photographic portraiture as much in the 1930s and 40s, and especially not candid photography. But quite a few photos of this type exist of Frida and her partner, the famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.

A visitor peruses the many photos on display of the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, at the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum

As a a photographer I tend to get caught up in the technical perfection of my images. I want the lighting just so, the composition just so, and I am disappointed with anything less. Viewing these images reminded me of the importance of just getting the shot. already. These images might be grainy, soft focused, even enlarged reproductions of newspaper clippings, but they are fascinating because of who and what they document. Having this peek into the lives of Frida y Diego is magical, no matter the softness of the focus.

I particularly enjoyed this formal, posed portrait of the pair.

Last night the venue hosted a talk on the lives of the couple, given by Lauren A. Johnson, a Ph.D. art history student at Washington University.

The venue held a reception for the exhibit with a talk by Lauren A. Johnson

The exhibit is well worth a visit, even if (or especially if) you’re a Frida buff already. It covers the span of both Frida and Diego’s lives, from photos of their parents, to baby photos, through their artistic and politically-charged careers and even to their deaths and funeral processions.

Seeing these both posed and candid images of Frida with Diego and with friends helps to round out the idea of her as a real person, and removes some of the mythos surrounding her life. To see her parent’s photos, her baby pictures, to see her side by side with Diego (an imposing figure of a man, who makes her appear quite tiny and fragile) is very special, and I recommend it highly. The exhibit is showing until August 4. ($5 entrance fee for non members, see website for hours.) The venue also has quite a few Frida and Diego themed books available for purchase.

Note: the venue itself is not easily ADA accessible, it does require climbing one flight of stairs. The IPHF website says that there is an accessible entrance through the building next door.

Photos from the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum Frida y Diego exhibit

]]>http://oohstlou.com/diego-y-frida-exhibit-at-the-international-photography-hall-of-fame-and-museum/feed011458The Vigilettes Play at Foamhttp://oohstlou.com/the-vigilettes-at-foam
http://oohstlou.com/the-vigilettes-at-foam#respondMon, 22 May 2017 02:17:29 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11429Last Friday I had a chance to see The Vigilettes perform at Foam. If you’re not familiar with the band, be sure to check out this profile in the Riverfront Times (With Their Powers Combined, the Vigilettes Release an Alt-Rock Gem in 4,3,2,1! ) and visit their Bandcamp page to purchase their debut album. You can also follow the band on Facebook, where you will get updates on their upcoming shows. This Thursday you can see them perform at the Best of St. Louis Launch event at NOMAD in the Central West End (more info here).

Here are a few photos of the band’s set, and some video I shot at the event.

The Vigilettes Photo Gallery

The Vigilettes Video

]]>http://oohstlou.com/the-vigilettes-at-foam/feed011429Ink & Drink Comics – Meet the Artistshttp://oohstlou.com/ink-drink-comics
http://oohstlou.com/ink-drink-comics#respondThu, 16 Mar 2017 13:05:07 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11344Do you ever wonder how to meet “your people?” How do you move to a new place and find your scene? That was the challenge that faced Carlos Gabriel Ruiz when he moved to St. Louis in 2003. It was that drive to find his people that eventually helped to launch Ink & Drink Comics, a group of St. Louis artists and writers who publish semi-annual comic anthologies, and have been doing so for seven years.

I feel like we started our own scene because we couldn’t find out where the cool kids hung out. – Carlos Gabriel Ruiz, Creative Director, Ink & Drink Comics

LtR Steve Higgins, Jason Green, Carlos Gabriel Ruiz

Why “Ink & Drink”? Obviously because the group drinks when they get together, but also for more practical reasons. “The URL was available,” laughs Ruiz, “‘Drink and Draw’ was taken.”

Ruiz, along with editor-in-chief Jason Green and deputy editor Steve Higgins, manages a rotating cast of artists and writers who contribute to one or more of the Ink & Drink anthologies. The group, formed in 2008, has monthly meet-ups at Cicero’s, where any interested artist is welcome to drop in, grab a drink and learn more about what they do. Their meetings range in size from 30-50 people, with 7-8 new attendees per month. (The group took up so many tables at Cicero’s that they now have dedicated use of the venue’s performance space each month.)

Not everyone who comes to the meetings contributes to each book, there’s no requirement that anyone ever contribute—many just like the social aspect of hanging out with like-minded people. Pizza and beer flow freely, and attendees trade ideas, find new people to collaborate with, or just use the time as a welcome artistic break to the monotony or non-creative aspects of their day-to-day lives.

“…we’re like the Wu-Tang clan. We all have our own things and we do our own projects, but we also collaborate together on the Ink & Drink books.”

Maggie Thurston and E.A. Schweitzer, Ink and Drink contributors. Each have published work in multiple Ink and Drink anthologies.

Many of the attendees I spoke to emphasized the importance of socializing with people who understood them. Freelance illustrator Benjamin Sawyer works primarily from home. He’s been a member of the Ink & Drink group for about eight years, and he enjoys the sense of community and the social interaction of the meetings, since working from home can be such an isolating activity.

Freelance illustrator Benjamin Sawyer (Check out his work at benbrush.com)

Younger artists enjoy the feedback they can get at the meetings. Anna, one of the attendees at the February meeting, is an artist who is just beginning a career in game design and computer animation. She describes the meetups as a “great place to get feedback if you’re struggling with something.”

Anna works on an animation project at the meetup.

Publishing on such an aggressive schedule can be daunting, but editor-in-chief Jason Green thinks the group’s competitiveness keeps everyone on their game. “Carlos and I did a convention in Maryland called Small Press Expo, where I spoke on a panel with a whole bunch of other groups like ours from the east coast. None of them publish with the regularity that I do. There was an audible gasp when I said we put out a book every six months.” Green said.

“We’ve been lucky in that everybody sees the books and they see how good they are, they see how good everybody else is and they don’t want to miss out, they want to have the best story in the book. That friendly one-upsmanship is what keeps driving the success of the books I think.” – Jason Green, Editor-in-Chief

The group’s new book “Chaser” will debut next month.

Deputy editor Steve Higgins says his involvement in the group has helped him hone his craft. “I’m a much better writer than I was six years ago,” Higgins says. “…I think just the idea of having people behind me saying ‘You’ve gotta get something in the next book.’ and having these deadlines and a new [story] every six months made me just continually keep working at it and keep upping my game.”

If you’re interested in joining Ink and Drink you can check out their Facebook group, where they discuss current projects and seek feedback. Their next meeting is at Cicero’s on Tuesday, March 21st from 8-10 p.m. “…or later,” Green adds, “Sometimes much, much later.”

You can purchase their books at their website, at Amazon, or at most local comic shops.

Check out the video below for more information on the group, and information on when their next book, Chaser, will be released.

Like what we do? Follow us on Facebook and YouTube! Send us story ideas, we love suggestions. If you really like what we do, we’re also available for hire for all your photo/video needs, check out Ooh St. Lou Studios for rates and booking info.

]]>http://oohstlou.com/ink-drink-comics/feed011344Galentine’s Day at Fantasy Shop South Countyhttp://oohstlou.com/galentines-day-at-fantasy-shop-south-county
http://oohstlou.com/galentines-day-at-fantasy-shop-south-county#respondMon, 20 Feb 2017 17:01:03 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11036Ladies Take Over the Comic Shop

Last night Fantasy Shop South County held a Ladies’ Night event, appropriately themed “Galentine’s Day.” (“What in the heck is Galentine’s Day?” you may ask yourself in confusion. I will say that you don’t watch enough teevee, then direct you here.)

The all-ages, ladies-only event was held from 6-10 p.m., after the store’s normal Sunday closing hour at 5 p.m. It featured store-wide discounts, lady vendors and writers, snacks and raffle prizes from publisher Lion Forge.

I was really pleased to run into several ladies I’ve met at other events, including local writer Caitlin Moriarity, and Lisa from Geekery Gal, whom I saw speak at a panel on women entrepreneurs at a SHE event last year. But mostly I was pleased to see a store full of women and girls of all ages, enjoying geeky things and each other’s company. Friends, partners, moms and daughters, all having a good time in the type of space that can too often feel as if it is not welcoming to women.

It’s always hard to get out of the house for any event in the dreary January/February months in St. Louis, but it was refreshing to be out and about with some very chilled-out and happy ladies getting their geek on in peace—totally worth it. Check out the photo gallery and vendor information below.

Photo Gallery

Vendors offered discounts for event attendees A best-selling Black Panther pendant from Geekery Gal Kaci Brennan helps customers at Fantasy Shop South County Shoppers speak to employee Kaci Brennan at the Galentine’s Day event Geekery Gal pendants for sale Offerings from Sew-it-All Creations Offerings from Sew-it-All Creations Fantasy Shop South County A customer shows off her purchase from Geekery Gal Attendees at Galentine’s Day at Fantasy Shop South County Customer checks out offerings from Geekery Gal Vendors offered discounts for event attendees Catie Deckmen helps customers Creature Type enamel pins Geekery Gal pendants Event attendee with Yoda backpack Shoppers get comfortable at this ladies-only event Kaci Brennan with customers at Fantasy Shop South County Attendees play games The store had Valentine themed snacks for attendees Creature Type greeting cards Black History Month display at Fantasy Shop South County Attendees enjoying Galentine’s Day event

Vendors

Ink and Drink Comics

I was introduced to a not-new-but-new-to-me local comics publisher, Ink and Drink Comics. Initially formed as a group of comic fans, they eventually formed a collective and began publishing their own work in semi-annual anthologies, all alcohol themed. You can check out and purchase their work at their online store.

Creature Type

I finally got a chance to meet Michelle Volansky, a local illustrator and owner of Creature Type. She’s the creator of the Boss Babes coloring book. She also has a variety of enamel pins, cards and prints available in her shop – check out her blog and work here. Also, lobby her to have another adult coloring book night, I missed the first one.

Caitlin Moriarity

Geekery Gal

Geekery Gal is the brainchild of Lisa Pavia-Higel, a local teacher who fell into jewelry making completely by accident. She makes comic and pop culture based jewelry, which she sells locally donating 10% of all sales to charity. She also designs custom pieces, so all you cosplayers out there who need the perfect piece to finish your costume, check out her website or Facebook page.

Lisa also makes a point to be inclusive in her offerings, focusing on creating pieces that feature women and minorities, audiences that are generally underserved in the merch market. If you have a special request she’s happy to oblige, shoot her a message!

Sew-it-All Creations

Sew-it-All Creations sells animal hats, original comics, and various other plush items at conventions and events. She wants her items to become “people’s favorite things.”

You might also like:

Superheroines Etc. (SHE) is holding a “learn a game” night event at Game Nite, this Saturday (2/25/17). Learn more here.

Like what we do? Follow us on Facebook and YouTube! Send us story ideas, we love suggestions. If you really like what we do, we’re also available for hire for all your photo/video needs, check out Ooh St. Lou Studios for rates and booking info.
]]>http://oohstlou.com/galentines-day-at-fantasy-shop-south-county/feed011036UNDEFINED – Kerry Russellhttp://oohstlou.com/undefined-kerry-russell
http://oohstlou.com/undefined-kerry-russell#respondMon, 26 Dec 2016 14:15:53 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11024Kerry Russell is is an Interior Designer at Dadoworks and she she taught me what bumwad was. Check out her work on Facebook at /dadoworks

Your name:

Kerry Russell

What do you do?

I am an Interior Designer. A couple of years after the housing crash of 2008 I resigned from my position at a mid-sized Architectural firm as their Director of Interiors to start my own contracting business where I marketed my services to Architectural firms, Interior Design firms, Realtors and General Contractors. My business has been so successful that it has blossomed into a more permanent position at a local Interior Design Firm and a small Architectural firm, Dadoworks.

What prompted you to take part in the UNDEFINED project?

I was inspired by the Undefined project because I love the idea of being undefined! Everyone is constantly trying to put everyone in this tiny box, figure them out and label them. I am not defined by any object and I am most certainly not defined by what I wear or how I look. I like to think that I am an ever evolving version of myself.

What stereotyping have you faced in your career, and how have you handled it?

Becoming a project manager early in my career, I found it very difficult to get the respect that I deserved in this male dominated industry. I was often dismissed, ignored and even disrespected. I overcame these situations one by one with persistence and continuity.

Where can people find out more about you/what you do?

Anything Else?

A main passion of mine is sustainability and through my career I am able to make “green” choices that not only save my clients money but also save precious natural resources. Certifications: NCIDQ No. 26459, LEED Green Associate

The UNDEFINED project explores and is a response to sexism in local media, for more information see our original post on the project. UNDEFINED will be on display at SOHA gallery in January 2017, visit the Facebook event page for more information on the show.

]]>http://oohstlou.com/undefined-kerry-russell/feed011024UNDEFINED – Ashley Joneshttp://oohstlou.com/undefined-ashley-jones
http://oohstlou.com/undefined-ashley-jones#commentsFri, 16 Dec 2016 12:20:01 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11014As part of our UNDEFINED project, Ooh St. Lou will be sharing bios of the women featured in the original shoot.
Ashley Jones is a blogger at The Pretty Vintage Girl, and you should visit theprettyvintagegirl.blogspot.com to read her thoughts on #shoegate

Your name:

What do you do?

What prompted you to take part in the UNDEFINED project?

Like so many, I saw and was deeply disappointed by the STL Business Journal photo shoot. I know so many remarkable women who have acted as my inspiration, support, and best friends, and not one of them would ever define herself with her shoes. I know businesswomen, bartenders, shop owners, strippers, doctors, mothers, and photographers. They are each incredible and individualistic, not to mention so much more than what they wear, shoes or otherwise.

I also loved the idea that any of us could be successful women, even if we’re not “successful” by traditional standards or titles. Which is great, because for me, blogging every week is a success. Showing up for work is a success. Hell, knowing when not to show up for work can be a success!

What stereotyping have you faced in your career, and how have you handled it?

In my past life as a shipping and inventory manager, I often had problems with older men not recognizing my authority. One in particular repeatedly asked me how old I was, if I was still in school (I was 29 at the time and had been doing the job for seven years), and would ask everyone else in the office for instructions instead of me. I had to make it a point to continually and calmly remind him to check in with me and establish that I was, shockingly, actually the one in charge.

Where can people find out more about you/what you do?

You can find me working at a wedding most weekends in and around St. Louis. I’m also usually to be found haunting local bookstores, vintage stores, and antique malls. Online, I blog every week at The Pretty Vintage Girl (www.theprettyvintagegirl.blogspot.com). You can also follow my selfies and all my pictures of dogs, cross-stitching, and food on Instagram at @redhead_vintage_girl

Anything Else?

Honestly? I do have a lot of shoes, and I’m not about to apologize for a single pair. But if you try to define me by them? Well, we’re going to have a problem.

The UNDEFINED project explores and is a response to sexism in local media, for more information see our original post on the project. UNDEFINED will be on display at SOHA gallery in January 2017, visit the Facebook event page for more information on the show.

SOHA studio + gallery is having their annual holiday sale, and I stopped by to talk to gallery owner and artist Julie Malone. Check out the video below for an overview of work currently for sale, and information about all the fantastic local artists represented.

SOHA studio + gallery Holiday Sale Video

]]>http://oohstlou.com/soha-studio-gallery-annual-holiday-sale/feed011019UNDEFINED – Courtney Beisnerhttp://oohstlou.com/undefined-courtney-beisner
http://oohstlou.com/undefined-courtney-beisner#respondWed, 14 Dec 2016 12:45:24 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11010As part of our UNDEFINED project, Ooh St. Lou will be sharing bios of the women featured in the original shoot.
Courtney Beisner and Kara Wilson run Revolution Ink (revolutionink.net) a service that provides design, writing and moxie.

Your name:

Courtney Beisner

What do you do?

For almost 18 years, I have been a technical writer. I also co-own Revolution Ink, a design and writing firm. In the last few weeks, I have also rebooted my voice over career and already booked one gig here in St. Louis.

What prompted you to take part in the UNDEFINED project?

My business partner, Kara Wilson, sent me a link on Facebook. I was shocked that in 2016, women are still categorized by cliches such as shoes. Are men asked to define themselves by their favorite tie? Boxers or briefs?

What stereotyping have you faced in your career, and how have you handled it?

As a technical writer, I have mostly worked in IT, which is heavily staffed by men. Although I feel accepted in that industry, I find myself constantly explaining that a writer is not an administrative assistant. This is no disrespect to administrative assistants; my mother retired as one, and lemme tell ya: don’t ever, ever piss off the admin. They run the entire office and can make your life very easy or very difficult. They know more about what’s going on than the boss.

The most egregious stereotyping I faced in my career was while living in Nashville. The good ol’ boys down there do not care for intelligent and vocal women. My director once asked me to buy a greeting card for the team to sign for a fellow employee. And I did it. Admitting that makes me feel as ashamed and powerless as it did then. Goddammit.

Where can people find out more about you/what you do?

Anything Else?

Anything else? I’m so proud to be a part of this project. When my 10-year-old daughter is my age, I hope the impetus for UNDEFINED is a ridiculous and laughable notion. Hell, I hope it’s a lot sooner than that.

The UNDEFINED project explores and is a response to sexism in local media, for more information see our original post on the project. UNDEFINED will be on display at SOHA gallery in January 2017, visit the Facebook event page for more information on the show.

]]>http://oohstlou.com/undefined-courtney-beisner/feed011010UNDEFINED – Ryane Chatmanhttp://oohstlou.com/undefined-ryane-chatman
http://oohstlou.com/undefined-ryane-chatman#commentsMon, 12 Dec 2016 12:45:22 +0000http://oohstlou.com/?p=11005Ryane Chatman is a combat veteran and the owner of Thorns & Ink, a service for authors and writers. Find her on twitter at @thornsandink or at thornsandink.com

As part of our UNDEFINED project, Ooh St. Lou will be sharing bios of the women featured in the original shoot.

Your name:

Ryane Chatman

What do you do?

Owner of Thorns & Ink, LLC // Technical Writer within the DoD

What prompted you to take part in the UNDEFINED project?

My friend Katherine Douglass and to show the world that women are more than the sum of our shoe wardrobe.

What stereotyping have you faced in your career, and how have you handled it?

This is a great and difficult question. The biggest stereotype I have faced in my career has been people thinking I am under-educated. No I don’t have a master’s degree, but I am very well educated and continue my education. I have several certifications along with two bachelor’s degrees. There have been a few times that I have pointed out that I am more than qualified to do my job.

I no longer do that. With age comes wisdom. I can show you better than I could ever explain that I am qualified. Getting into the literary industry is no walk in the park. I have to work 3 times as hard to prove that I can do the work required. I have let the burned bridges light my way forward. For me to make my dream happen, I have had to change the rules of the game. I have my business license and I have made a few valuable connections.

I can’t change what I am on the outside. I can change the world. My changes have been small, but I am proud to be working this hard to make them happen.

The UNDEFINED project explores and is a response to sexism in local media, for more information see our original post on the project. UNDEFINED will be on display at SOHA gallery in January 2017, visit the Facebook event page for more information on the show.